Opti - coat 2.0 (pro) vs waxing regularly
 

Hi, I'm weighing the pros and cons of using an opti-coat sealant, a detailer offers paint correction and detailing services ($900) and then Opti-coat Pro ($400) for a total $1300.

*edit* I'd also like advice on 2PLE or Clear Bra coatings. I currently use the meguiar's 3-step for cleaning and maintaining my paint. I have dealer-installed cobwebing but overall good finish.


Points are:

Pro for Opticoat: Forms a barrier to protect against debris. Hopefully even small rocks/chipping since the BRZ/FR-S's paint is oh-so precious.

Pro: Easier to clean

Cons: Permanent, unless you machine polish it off, which isn't so bad I guess. But you can't use a pure polish on top of an opti-coat, my guessing is the coat underneath opti-coat could still dry out or degrade.

thats alot of cash.

He's offering that as a full package, as a pro detailer, but there seems no cheaper route (at least through him),which includes:
wash, clay, wheels, interior, windows, 2-step paint procedure, 3-layers of wax (overkill), and then opticoat pro. Procedures take 2 days.

wax then opticoat?

Thought wax needs to be completely removed prior to opticoat.

Opti-coat will not prevent rock chips.

Never heard of waxing a car before installing OC 2.0. Surface must be free of wax to have OC to adhere. Don't walk to another detailer- RUN ! Go to the Optimum forum and you will find all the info you need to make a informed decision . They also have a listing of all dealers authorized to install OPT-PRO.

http://optimumforums.org/index.php?showforum=25

Seems too high for a detail and OC.

I agree, 900 is excessive, you should look into another detailer, especially if this guy thinks applying opticoat on top of wax is ok.

yup - you will need a clear bra....

I would do as the others have stated and shop around, talk to 2 or 3 other detailers. I did not pay close to that and I know for a fact when the opti threads were huge when everyone took possession of there cars the average price was 400-600, and this was from well know detailers.

opticoat will also not protect you from egg shells.. i know from first hand.

try looking up Tru Shine http://www.trushinedetailing.com

If your paint is hammered 900$ might not be out of the question, so the level of perfection you want before OC/OG has to be considered.

You are also asking for the OG pro version which comes with a warranty. I would suggest you ask for OC 2.0 which will easily last 2+yrs and by that time you might need a good polishing anyhow. The price of that is ususally 40% for the 2.0

Cheers,
GREG

For that cost invest in some Adams Products and detail the car yourself! You will get a much better shine with a paste wax glaze combo than opti-coat

I agree with others. $900 is a bit steep considering your car is relatively new with few scratches.